Media release

Udupi, Feb 16: International Childhood Cancer Day is observed (ICCD) was observed at Kasturba Medical College and Hospital in Manipal on Tuesday, February 15 with a view to raise awareness about childhood cancers and to express support to these children with their caregivers and cancer survivors.

This is the second year of the three-year campaign by the institute for ICCD (2021-2023) under the theme of ‘Better Survival’ is achievable #throughyourhands.

The Shankar Mahadevan Academy Nirvana (SMA Nirvana) performed a musical programme and fun quiz to the children and their caregivers at Kasturba Medical College and Hospital for children with cancer on a virtual platform.

SMA Nirvana is an initiative from Shankar Mahadevan Academy trust which brings joy of music to people who face severe challenges every day in their lives like cancer patients. Two children, Moksha and Akanksha also performed live along with the academy artiste Sukruthi Ajaykumar.

The team of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology led by Dr Vasudeva Bhat K said that such musical programs were required periodically to divert the minds of children and caregivers and allow music to do the healing.

In his welcome address, medical superintendent Dr Avinash Shetty lauded the efforts of the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology team to bring together this musical program for the benefit of those who need it the most. KMC dean Dr Sharat Kumar Rao congratulated the whole team for this unique event.

Dr Naveen S Salins, coordinator, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre was present in this occasion. Dr Krithika Rao, assistant professor from the Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care was the master of ceremony for the programme.